Common Microwave Parts

These are images and descriptions of microwave parts that I describe in my
microwave repair guide. Use this page to help identify and replace microwave
parts.

Warning! Microwave repair can be dangerous! You must
unplug the microwave before attempting to repair it because they use very high
voltage on certain internal parts. Failure to do so can result in injury or
death.

There are two basic kinds of microwaves: countertop microwaves and
over-the-range microwaves. Countertop microwaves are not very expensive, so they
may not be worth fixing unless you are a do-it-yourselfer and want to save the
repair bill. With the help of my microwave repair guide, you can! Over-the-range
microwaves can be a bit more expensive, but you still don’t want to pay the high
repair bills on something that you can easily do yourself. Microwaves have
become such a valuable household necessity that people don’t realize their worth
until it stops working properly.

Magnetron
Tube

The magnetron tube produces radio waves that excite the
molecules inside the food causing friction. The friction will cause the food to
heat up. There are many different magnetron tubes and should be ordered by model
number.

The diode is a device that allows electricity to flow in only
one direction, converting the alternating current from your house wiring to
direct current. Magnetron tubes use direct current. So if the diode is not
working properly the magnetron tube cannot function. The part number for a diode
that will fit most microwaves is B838101. Order Here

Fuse

All microwaves have a fuse to protect against fire
in the event of a short. Some microwaves use 20-amp fuses – part number
M0805101. Most microwaves use a 15-amp fuse – part number WB27X7. Order Here.

Door Switch

The door switch cuts off the microwave when
you open the door. Most microwaves have three door switches. The part number for
a door switch that will work on most microwaves is WB24X829. Order Here.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a device that stores
electricity much like a battery but can be charged and discharged much quicker.
Electricity entering your house is called alternating current. Alternating
current flows one way for 1/60 of a second then the other way for 1/60 of a
second. Microwaves have diodes that only allow current to flow one way. This
means that there will only be current flow for half of the time. For the time
that the current is not flowing, the magnetron tube will receive current from
the capacitor. There are lots of capacitors so it is best if ordered by model
number. Capacitors can be purchased at AppliancePartsPros.com

Transformer

The transformer
transforms 120 volts from your house wiring to somewhere around 5000 volts. This
is why repairing microwaves can be dangerous so be sure to unplug it before
servicing. There are many different transformers so order by model number.
Transformers can be purchased at AppliancePartsPros.com or you can browse Hi Voltage Transformers Here